News

When will England's World Cup campaign commence and who could they face after the group stage?


England were handed a potential mouth-watering clash with one of Wales or Scotland in the draw for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

The Three Lions discovered their fate ahead of the global showpiece to be held later in the year at a ceremony in Doha on Friday evening.

In a group featuring a whole host of talking points, but one which Gareth Southgate and co. will nevertheless fancy their chances of emerging from, England were pitted against the United States of America, Iran and one of home nations Wales or Scotland, should either manage to advance past Ukraine.

So, should the Euro 2020 finalists emerge from Group B as table-toppers, who will they face in the Last-16?

This nation will come in the form of the runners-up from Group A, throwing up the possibility of a showdown with any of tournament hosts Qatar, African champions Senegal, a resurgent Netherlands or South American surprise package Ecuador.

And, from here, the path forward is likely to get even trickier.

Group B World Ranking England 5 Iran 21 United States 15 Wales or Scotland/Ukraine 18 or 39/27

This comes with a showdown with World Cup holders France in store, should both England and Les Bleus, as seems likely, top their groups before advancing to the competition's quarter-finals.

Alternatively, a meeting with Lionel Messi's Argentina, unbeaten across any competition since all the way back in 2019, could too be on the cards.

Iran first up

So, when will England's endeavours at the Qatar showpiece officially be kicked into gear?

The Three Lions are slated to feature on the opening day of the first-ever winter World Cup, when they will face off with Iran on the 21st of November.

This comes just eight days after the 2022/23 Premier League campaign is currently scheduled to be brought to a halt.

Read more:

Qatar 2022: Every stadium that will be used for the upcoming World Cup

On the plane or still at home? Ranking each England player’s chances of making it to Qatar

 

Conor Laird

Conor Laird

Die-hard Juventus fan with a love for all things Italian, and a real soft spot for Arsenal cult heroes. Emmanuel Eboue, Nicklas Bendtner, Philippe Senderos... Give them all statues outside the Emirates.


Related Content